General English 1 - 4 (CRICOS course code 116536D) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd over 46 weeks (~11 months). This ELICOS course belongs to the field of Society and Culture (Language and Literature) and is designed for international students to build foundational English skills for daily life, further study, or employment. As a CRICOS-registered provider (03722G), Smart Connection Company offers this program exclusively at its Parramatta campus in NSW. Australia boasts over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and this course is a solid choice for those seeking a dedicated English language program. All CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality education and student rights. The course runs for 46 weeks in English, with indicative tuition fees of A$16,000 and non-tuition fees of A$700, totalling approximately A$16,700. Additional costs like OSHC, living expenses, and visa application fees are not included. Whether you plan to move on to vocational or higher education, or simply want to improve your English, this course provides a robust foundation.
This course falls under the field of Education (09 - Society and Culture, 0915 - Language and Literature, 091501 - ELICOS). ELICOS courses focus on developing English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students practice grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in interactive settings. While specific curricula vary by provider, typical ELICOS programs at this level cover everyday communication, academic English foundations, and cultural contexts. Graduates often progress to further vocational or higher education studies, or use their improved English for professional purposes. The course is a Non AQF Award, meaning it does not lead to a formal Australian qualification but provides a certificate of completion. As an ELICOS course, it is designed for non-native speakers and may include levels from beginner to intermediate. Smart Connection Company’s program aims to equip students with practical language skills for real-world situations.
General English 1 - 4 is delivered over 46 weeks (~11 months) as indicated on the CRICOS register (46 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification course with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Classes typically run full-time, allowing students to immerse themselves in English learning. Study may be scheduled across weekdays, with potential for morning or afternoon sessions depending on the provider. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) must maintain full-time enrolment. The duration meets visa requirements for courses longer than 44 weeks. Students should plan for a full academic year of language study.
The indicative tuition fee for General English 1 - 4 at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd is A$16,000, with non-tuition fees of A$700, bringing the estimated total to A$16,700. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Smart Connection Company before applying. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, food, transport), and the student visa application charge. For 2023-24, the Department of Home Affairs recommends living costs of at least A$21,041 per year for a single student. OSHC costs vary by provider; typical annual premiums start around A$500. The visa application charge for Subclass 500 is currently A$710 (as of July 2024). Students should budget carefully for the entire duration of their stay.
Entry requirements for ELICOS courses vary by provider. For General English 1 - 4, Smart Connection Company may require applicants to have a minimum English proficiency, typically demonstrated through an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 or equivalent for intermediate levels, but for beginner levels no prior test may be needed. Some providers conduct their own placement tests. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least Year 10 or equivalent in their home country, as this is a common prerequisite for non-award courses. Foundation or pathway options are not applicable for this standalone ELICOS program. For precise entry criteria, contact Smart Connection Company directly. International students must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for their student visa application.
This course has no mandatory work component. As per the CRICOS register, General English 1 - 4 does not include any work experience, internship, or professional placement. However, student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during course terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. This allows students to gain part-time work experience while studying. Parramatta offers various part-time job opportunities in retail, hospitality, and services, which can help supplement living costs.
General English 1 - 4 is delivered at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd's campus located at Level 1 239 Church St, PARRAMATTA NSW 2150. Parramatta is a major commercial and cultural hub in Western Sydney, home to a large student population. It is well-connected by public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries, making commuting easy. The area offers diverse accommodation options, from shared apartments to student housing, with indicative weekly rent for a room around A$200–$350. Parramatta itself has several CRICOS-registered providers, adding to a vibrant international student community. Living costs in Parramatta are generally lower than in Sydney's CBD, with groceries and transport averaging A$100–$150 per week. The campus location provides easy access to libraries, shopping centres, and recreational facilities.
International students enrolling in this course typically require a Student visa (Subclass 500). To be eligible, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Smart Connection Company, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, hold sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. The visa also allows accompanying family members under certain conditions. The Department of Home Affairs advises that processing times vary; it's best to apply early. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent. For detailed advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au. All CRICOS-registered courses are covered by the ESOS Act, which protects your tuition fees and provides refund rights in certain circumstances.
Follow these three steps to apply for General English 1 - 4 at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd: Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers. Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level 'Non AQF Award' and field '091501 - ELICOS' to find English courses in Parramatta. Verify that Smart Connection Company (CRICOS 03722G) is listed on the CRICOS register. Step 2: Apply directly to Smart Connection Company. Complete their application form, submit required documents (passport, academic transcripts, English test scores if applicable), and meet any entry requirements. Application deadlines vary; check with the provider. Step 3: Upon acceptance, you will receive a Letter of Offer and then a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use the CoE to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and sufficient funds. Once your visa is granted, you can plan your travel to Australia.
Parramatta is a thriving multicultural city with a strong focus on education. As part of Greater Sydney, it offers a balanced lifestyle with lower living costs compared to the city centre. The presence of many CRICOS-registered providers means a supportive international student community. Public transport links are excellent, with frequent trains to Sydney CBD taking about 30 minutes. Parramatta also has ample part-time work opportunities in retail and hospitality. For students studying ELICOS, the city's diverse population provides plenty of opportunities to practice English in real-life situations. However, those seeking a more central Sydney experience may prefer campuses in the CBD. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and study goals when choosing a location. HeadStart Academy's location pages can help you compare cities.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about studying General English in Australia and start your application process with HeadStart Academy.
General English 1 - 4 is a CRICOS-registered programme at Smart Connection Company Pty Ltd. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.